Importing your Pet

Malaysia - Importing your Pet

Pets are members of the family and you will need to know Malaysia’s approach to importing them. This is not as straightforward as it might appear and you will need to put this in place as early as possible. It is also vital you check your own country’s policy on exporting your pet. The Animal Act of 1953 is active in Malaysia and was updated in 2006.

License

No pet is allowed into Malaysia without a license and this must be applied for in advance. Importing a pet into Malaysia without a license is classed as smuggling and can result in a prison sentence.

There are some breeds which are subject to special conditions and these have to be micro-chipped:

- Doberman
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd

To make an application for a license to import an animal or bird, the following has to be provided:

- Current veterinary vaccination and health record of the animal or bird
- A fee of RM 5.00
- If applicable, the special conditions section for restricted breeds needs to be made at this stage
- Your details, work permit, visa and address where you will be living in Malaysia.

The application is made on Form A which is available from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) which is here:

This application takes only two days and you will be informed if you have been successful in your application. Once this has been approved, then arrangements must be made with the DVS to arrange quarantine stays and this period can be anything from seven to thirty days. The cost of quarantine is RM 4.00 per day currently. There is no quarantine period required if your pet is coming from a World Health Organisation Rabies Free Country. These countries include the UK, Ireland, Japan and Singapore.

Seven days before import, a certification from your home country’s veterinary governmental department has to be submitted to the Malaysian DVS.

On entry to Malaysia, you will be met with a DVS officer who will require the following documentation:

- The import permit
- Original certificate from your home country
- Original vaccination certificate
- You will then be required to complete the customs import form provided by the DVS Officer.

Your pet will then be taken to the quarantine station. You will then be informed of when you can collect your pet and the payment amount.

The import permit is valid for only thirty days.

Exotic birds may be subject to wildlife conservation regulations and this will be confirmed on entry by the DVS officer.

Pet Supplies

Malaysia’s most popular domestic pets are cats and dogs. Pet supplies can be purchased from any supermarket or store in the country. There are pet supply services available online where you can purchase your pet food and have it delivered straight to your door.

There are a number of pet stores in major cities which offer grooming services and an in store vet who will assist you with any health concerns around your pet. A fee is charged for this service and may vary from store to store.

Pet supplies are readily available within Malaysia. There will be international brands available from major supermarkets. Be warned that the climate change may affect your pet’s eating habits and make sure you register with a vet surgery as soon as possible. In doing so, it would benefit you and your pet if you arrange a health check for your pet’s records. If your pet is to be repatriated back to your home country then all records will be required for the reverse process.

The importing of animals and birds into Malaysia is a fast process and the owner must be present at the port of entry to meet with the DVS officer. It is also important to point out that your airline’s policy on travelling with your animal is thoroughly researched before traveling with your pet. All airlines have a pet policy and details of these can be found directly from your airline.

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